Sheriff Paul C. May is proud to announce the "Employees of the Year" of 2013.

Six employees were recognized for the Employees of the Year 2013. There are four categories for which employees may be recognized: Administration Employee, Citizen Volunteer, Detention Deputy and Law Enforcement. The recipients are as follows:

Administrative Employee of the Year – Amy FisherAmy Fisher was nominated by Captain Bell. "Amy has been a great asset to road patrol during the transition to the new Spillman system. She has put in countless hours and has answered all questions with help provided to everyone that has asked. She has definitely made the change a lot easier."

Volunteer of the Year – T.J. ParrishT. J. was nominated by Captain Gary Bell. Captain Bell stated, "T.J. serves as a SRT Medic. As a volunteer, T.J. receives no pay however, whenever we have called T.J., he is there for the SRT team and stays as long as needed. I nominate T.J. on behalf of the entire SRT Team."

Detention Deputy of the Year – James "Roy" BassRoy was nominated by Sgt. Randy Worth and Lt. John R. Rhoden. Sgt. Worth stated that "Roy deserves the award for his consistent hard work, good personal and work ethics, professionalism, ability to get along with everyone, ability to learn and teach. His job proficiency and many other great traits that make him a great employee and an asset to the department". Lt. Rhoden nominated Roy for his attempt at saving a life. In May, 2013, Officer Bass, on his way to work, stopped at a convenience store. A worker found an unconscious person. Officer Bass and the store worker initiated CPR until instructed to stop. Unfortunately the person was pronounced deceased. Lt. Rhoden stated, "Officer Bass showed no hesitation in acting as a first responder through the training received at this department. It is through his actions that give me faith in his ability to prove asset to this department."

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Rob Coleman, Matt Crawford, Joe GracieSgt. Rob Coleman, D/S Matt Crawford and D/S Joe Gracie were all nominated for Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter by Captain Bell. On February 16, 2013, Martin County had a homicide and the suspect was in route to Okeechobee County, still armed. Law enforcement from both agencies pursued the suspect. The suspect's vehicle landed in Henry Creek. The suspect would not comply with orders given. The listed deputies entered the water to gain control of the suspect and rescue two juvenile females, the suspect would not turn over to deputies. Subsequently, the suspect was apprehended and the juveniles were rescued unharmed. I know what it's like to enter water to apprehend a suspect and I can assure you it is not pleasant. These deputies show that they have what it takes to carry out a mission and not complain. This is most certainly a job well done."

Sheriff May said,"It is my pleasure to recognize these employees for their outstanding performance. I'm proud of all my employees and I could not ask for a better group of people to work with. They continuously amaze me on a daily basis."Congratulations to all of the nominees and the recipients of these awards.